Setting Expectations with Children

EYLF Principle 3

At Discover My World, we are guided by the belief that every child is capable, competent and full of potential.

The Early Years Learning Framework reminds us:

“All children have the capacity to learn, and equitable opportunities enable them to achieve their potential.” – EYLF V2.0

We are committed to holding high expectations for every child, while recognising and celebrating their diverse abilities, backgrounds and circumstances.

By creating an inclusive, supportive environment, we help children build the confidence to explore, grow and thrive—knowing they are seen, valued and believed in.

Setting Boundaries Children thrive when they know what’s expected of them. At our service, we’re consistent in setting clear boundaries that support their growth, independence, and sense of belonging.

We gently guide children to take responsibility for themselves in age-appropriate ways—scraping their bowls after meals, wiping their faces, and tidying up after play. These small but meaningful tasks empower children to feel capable and confident, nurturing life skills that will serve them well beyond our walls.

Assigning simple chores can build your child's confidence and self-help skills.

Parent Tip: Raise the Bar

Children are capable of so much more than we sometimes give them credit for. When we raise our expectations at home—gently but consistently—our little ones rise to meet them.

Start small: simple chores like packing away toys, wiping the table, or putting dirty clothes in the laundry can make a big difference. These everyday tasks help build confidence, encourage independence, and develop important self-regulation skills.

Be patient—it’s a process. But the growth you'll see is worth every moment.

How We Set Expectations at Discover My World ELC

At Discover My World, we know that children thrive when they understand what’s expected of them. Setting clear, consistent expectations helps children feel safe, confident, and empowered. It supports their independence and gives them a sense of what comes next in their day, creating a calm and predictable environment.

Whether it’s washing hands before meals, learning how to interact respectfully with peers and educators, or taking responsibility for packing away toys, these daily routines are opportunities for children to practise self-help skills and develop important life habits. We believe every moment counts when building independence and resilience.

How You Can Support This at Home

The same principles apply at home. A powerful way to build your child’s confidence and self-regulation is to give them responsibility for a regular, meaningful task. This might be as simple as tidying up after themselves, putting their dirty clothes in the basket, or helping to pack away toys after play.

What matters most is that the task is real—not “busy work”—and that it contributes to the family in a genuine way. As Lamb (2017) notes, when children are given purposeful tasks, they feel capable and valued. These small acts of responsibility lay the foundation for future independence.

Choosing Age-Appropriate Tasks

It’s important that the tasks you assign are manageable and suited to your child’s developmental stage.

For toddlers aged 18 months to 2 years, you might be surprised by what they can already do. At this age, children can scrape their bowls after meals, wipe their own faces, wash their hands, and even help wipe down a surface after snack time. These little routines help them feel involved and capable.

For children aged 3 to 5 years, their abilities grow rapidly. They can begin taking on more involved tasks such as helping younger siblings get dressed, setting or clearing the table, brushing their own teeth, and even using a small brush and pan to help clean the floor. Many are also capable of making their own bed, dressing themselves, and helping with simple chores around the house with minimal support.

Raising Capable, Confident Kids

By setting consistent expectations and encouraging children to take responsibility, both at the service and at home, we’re nurturing more than just good habits—we’re building capable, confident young people who feel empowered in their own lives.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, patience, and the powerful message: “You can do this.”

"Don't prepare the path for the child... prepare the child for the path!"

Let Them Do It Themselves

It might be quicker to do things for your child, but it doesn’t help build their independence or confidence. When we step back, we give them a chance to shine.

Try asking, “Do you want me to help, or can you do it yourself?” You’ll be surprised how often they’ll choose to do it on their own—proudly.

Encourage effort over perfection with positive messages like, “You’re really trying hard!” or “I love how you’re giving it a go!”

These little moments grow big confidence.

Quality Area 5: Relationships with Children

Element 5.2.2 Self-Regulation: Each child is supported to regulate their own behaviour, respond appropriately to the behaviour of others and communicate effectively to resolve conflicts.